Wayfinder
" Engaging co-op ARPG with flexible playstyles and charming art but grind-heavy progression "
Wayfinder Review
Wayfinder is an action RPG that underwent a tumultuous development, initially launched as an MMO but later restructured into a single-player/co-op experience. Players appreciate its engaging combat mechanics, diverse character roster, and the absence of predatory microtransactions, offering a consumer-friendly monetization approach. The game features a visually appealing, cartoony art style with smooth animations and a rich world to explore. Its flexible weapon system allows any character to wield any weapon, enhancing gameplay variety.
Despite these strengths, the game suffers from repetitive dungeon layouts, grind-heavy progression, and a lack of depth in character builds. Performance issues, including frequent crashes and optimization problems, especially on platforms like the Steam Deck, detract from the experience. The story is generally considered forgettable and serves mainly as a backdrop. While the game offers solid co-op play and quality-of-life features, some players find inventory management confusing and endgame content limited. Overall, Wayfinder is seen as a hidden gem with room for improvement.
Highlights
Players praise Wayfinder's fun and satisfying combat system, highlighting its weighty feel and smooth animations.
The game boasts a charming, cartoony fantasy art style with detailed environments and well-crafted music.
Its flexible character and weapon system allows diverse playstyles, with eight distinct characters and over 40 weapons.
Notably, the game has no microtransactions, providing a fair, buy-once experience.
The co-op system is well-designed, supporting players of varying levels with appropriate rewards.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include repetitive dungeon designs and grind-heavy gameplay that can feel unrewarding over time.
Many players report performance issues such as frame drops, frequent crashes, and poor optimization, particularly on the Steam Deck.
The story is often described as bland or forgettable, lacking memorable moments.
Inventory management is considered confusing and cumbersome by some.
Endgame content is viewed as limited, with little to do after completing the main questline.
Pros
- • Combat system is fun, responsive, and has satisfying weight behind attacks.
- • Art style is charming, detailed, and visually appealing with smooth animations.
- • No microtransactions ensure a fair and consumer-friendly experience.
- • Flexible weapon and character system allows for diverse playstyles.
- • Co-op supports players of different levels with balanced rewards.
- • Quality-of-life features like free respecs and instant character swapping.
- • Rich world with exploration and random events breaking up questing.
Cons
- • Repetitive dungeon layouts and grind-heavy progression reduce long-term engagement.
- • Frequent crashes and performance issues affect gameplay stability.
- • Optimization is poor, especially on lower-end hardware and Steam Deck.
- • Storyline is forgettable and serves mostly as filler.
- • Inventory management is confusing and inconvenient.
- • Endgame content is limited and lacks depth.
- • Some weapons are unbalanced compared to others.
Rating Criteria
Become a Wayfinder, and unlock their powers as you choose your path and playstyle while pushing back a hostile force that has overtaken your world. A Co-Op ARPG where you directly shape and customize the endless adventures you go on with friends, because Wayfinders are stronger together.